The Ranamok Prize, established 15 years ago, annually showcases contemporary glass created by artists from Australia and New Zealand. Over the years the prize has grown steadily in stature and reputation to the point where it is now recognised as the premier event of its kind in Australasia.

“Being a finalist at such an early stage in my glass art career is exciting” says Mrs Walsh.
“Winning the prize is a great honour and I feel privileged to have been chosen by the judges.”

Across the Lines is about showing the two sides of life during the First World War: the soldiers that went away to fight, and the women who stayed at home. The overall message contained within Across the Lines is honour, honouring a time and the people that lived it.

The artwork, which is 1.7 metres wide and 900mm in height is made up of over 500 glass formed pegs, modelled on old style dolly clothes pegs, wired together to form a Maori cloak. In order to safely transport the work it was made in three sections that could be joined together on arrival in Australia. Assembling it and freighting it to Canberra for judging was a task Mrs Walsh shared with her husband Jimi Walsh, also a second year diploma student at Wanganui Glass School, Whanganui UCOL. Whanganui UCOL is the only Tertiary Institute in New Zealand that offers the internationally recognised Diploma in Glass Design and Production.
Before glass, both the Walsh’s were sculptors working in the film industry. Once they graduate (in 2010) they intend to set up a studio and make glass art as a career.

All finalists’ works will be exhibited over the next 12 months in various galleries and museums throughout Australia.